Is the BC Strength Glute Bench Small Actually Worth the Floor Space?
My garage gym is a game of inches. Between the squat rack, the plate tree, and the pile of sandbags I promised I’d use more often, floor space is at a premium. For months, I’ve been dragging my heavy-duty adjustable bench into the center of the room just to do hip thrusts. It’s a 70-pound ordeal that usually ends with me scuffing the floor and cursing. I finally decided to see if the bc strength glute bench small could solve my logistical nightmare without becoming another piece of expensive clutter.
- Dense, high-grip foam that handles 400+ lbs without bottoming out.
- 12-inch height is anatomically superior to standard gym benches for thrusts.
- Lightweight enough to move with one hand but stays put on stall mats.
- Zero versatility for upper body pressing movements.
The Garage Gym Space Dilemma
The biggest lie in home fitness is that you can do everything with just a weight set and bench combo. While that setup is the bread and butter for your chest and shoulders, most standard benches sit 17 to 19 inches off the floor. That is way too high for a proper hip thrust. You end up awkwardly shrugging your way up the pad, losing your brace, and missing out on the full range of motion. I spent years using a small glute bench made of stacked aerobic risers, but they always slid around like air hockey pucks once the weight got heavy.
Specs: What Makes This Mini Block Different?
The bc strength glute bench small is essentially a oversized, high-density foam brick. It measures 24 inches wide and 18 inches deep, standing exactly 12 inches tall. When you compare it to the glute bench bc strength standard model or the beefy glute bench v.2, the 'Small' is clearly designed for the person who trains in a spare bedroom or a crowded corner. It weighs next to nothing, but the material is surprisingly rigid. It doesn't feel like a sofa cushion; it feels like a structural component.
Does It Hold Up Under Heavy Loads?
I was skeptical about a hip thrust bench foam construction. I’ve used the Gxmmat glute bench in the past, which is a solid piece of kit, but the BC Strength version feels significantly denser. When I loaded up 315 lbs for a set of eight, the glute bench block didn't compress more than a fraction of an inch. The 'sticky' texture of the vinyl cover is the real winner here. It grips your t-shirt, so you don't slide backward as you drive your hips up. If you've ever had a bench slide out from under you mid-set, you know that’s worth the price of admission alone.
Versatility vs. Single-Use Equipment
Here is the honest truth: this is a specialized tool. You aren't going to be performing dumbbell bench workouts on this thing unless you have the shortest arms in human history. Your elbows will hit the floor before you reach the bottom of the rep. It works well for Bulgarian split squats if you prefer a lower foot position, and it’s a decent seat for between sets, but it is primarily a glute thruster bench. Buying this means committing to a piece of gear that does one thing exceptionally well while taking up a permanent 2-foot square on your floor.
The Alternatives You Should Consider First
If you have the room and want a more 'pro' feel, the Gxmmat hip thrust bench is a fantastic alternative that features a more traditional frame. However, if you are like me and need to be able to chuck your equipment into a corner so you can still park the car in the garage, the foam block is the way to go. You could also look at the Glute Loop or a simple barbell pad, but they don't solve the height issue that this block addresses so perfectly.
Final Verdict: Keep It or Sell It?
I’m keeping mine. The 12-inch height changed my hip thrust mechanics instantly—I felt it in my glutes way more than my lower back for the first time in months. If you’re a serious lifter who prioritizes posterior chain development and you’re tired of the 'bench shuffle,' this is a smart buy. If you only hip thrust once a month, just keep using your regular bench and save the cash.
FAQ
Is the foam too soft for heavy weights?
No. It is high-density rebounding foam. Even at 400+ lbs of total load, it maintains its shape and provides a stable base for your shoulder blades.
Can I use this for box squats?
You can, but it’s short. At 12 inches, it’s a very deep squat for most people. It’s better suited as a tactile cue than a seat for heavy load-bearing box squats.
Does it slide on wood floors?
It’s better on rubber gym mats. On polished wood or smooth concrete, any foam block will have a tendency to migrate unless it's pushed against a wall or a heavy rack.
